Biotech Updates

The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that emerged in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since caused the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading to 170 countries and regions, is the product of natural evolution, according to findings published by scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in Nature Medicine. The analysis of public genome sequence data from SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses found no evidence that the virus was made in a laboratory or otherwise engineered.

Most Americans Believe GMOs Likely to Improve Global Food Supply

In its 2019 survey, the Pew Research Center reveals that while Americans have mixed views about genetically modified foods (GMOs) and their implications for society, about three-quarters (74%) of surveyed adults say it is at least fairly likely that GM foods will increase the global food supply and 62% say GM foods are very or fairly likely to lead to more affordably priced food.

Local Government Officials Warn Scientists of Biotech Critics in Uganda

Local government officials from over 10 districts in Central Uganda warned scientists of biotech critics whose efforts they claimed were responsible for the impasse with the biotechnology bill. This was at the NARO technologies awareness workshop that was organized by the Uganda Biosciences Information Centre (UBIC) at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) and the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Double Knockout of OsWRKY36 and OsWRKY102 Boosts Rice Lignification

Experts from Kyoto University and partner institutions developed double mutant lines of rice to gather information on enhancing lignin deposition in grass species which are vital lignocellulose feedstocks. Their findings are reported in Plant Science.

Biotech Crops in the Pipeline to Improve Food Quality and Bring Environmental Benefits

Transgenic crops have been planted in different countries for over twenty years, starting from 1996. About 191.7 million hectares were planted in 2018 to transgenic crops with high market value, such as herbicide tolerant soybeans, maize, cotton, and canola; insect resistant maize, cotton, potato, and rice; and virus resistant squash and papaya. With genetic engineering, more than one trait can be incorporated or stacked into a plant. Transgenic crops with combined traits are also available commercially.